I have no disrespect for the Malay culture which is beautiful. We can all learn a thing or two from Malay adat.
However, I do hold a grudge against the deliberate extermination of
one’s own heritage. I further find it offensive when Indian Muslims, in
their eagerness to convert, use Machiavellian means to identify
themselves as Malay. It demonstrates a lack of dignity and self-worth.

By Mohd Ikhram Merican

“How shall a man escape from his ancestors, or
draw off from his veins the black drop which he drew from his father’s
or mother’s life?” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

For
some time now I’ve felt that the Indian Muslim or Mamak community at
large suffers from a pitiful cultural and identity crisis. Being a
Muslim of Indian origin, I have first-hand experience with the dilemma
afflicting this community that has contributed so much to the culture,
politics, and economy of Malaysia for well over a few centuries. I also
worry that so many members of this, my community, are shedding their
identity by becoming over-zealous converts.

Some
of the offensive and snide remarks by an individual with clear Indian
ancestry at the on-going UMNO General Assembly have motivated me to
finally pen this letter.

My ancestral beginnings in Malaysia start with my great-grandfather, K.K Daud, in Penang in the early 20th
century; although I suspect earlier generations were already making
trade excursions to the Malay Peninsula. My grandfather, D Mohamed
Ibraheem, born in India, was brought to study at the Methodist Boys
School in Penang. He was a scholar, a sportsman, and a gentleman. These
exact traits, decades later, were to become my obligation at my Alma
Mater, the Victoria Institution.

My grandfather
was a linguist of sorts. He learned Latin, was sufficiently proficient
in Malay, and a master in English and Tamil. All of his children bore a
combination of Tamil and Muslim names, a testament to his pride as a
Tamilian and an unashamed celebration of his Indian roots. He worked
hard, contributed to Penang’s economy, was a well respected member of
his community, and raised a good family. For all intents and purposes,
he was well assimilated into the fabric of Penangite society. He did not
have to shed his cultural identity to do this.

My
father and his generation, like their preceding generations, spoke
excellent Tamil. Most of them were privileged to have an English
education. A significant number of them have gone on to becoming
prominent captains of industry in Malaysia and abroad. None of them
coveted handouts from the government or needed to shake-off their
“Indian-ess” to progress in Malaysia. It was never an option. Their
parents worked hard to educate them.

My
generation does not speak Tamil as well as the previous generations.
Most of us speak English or Malay. Suddenly it has become important to
be seen as practicing Malay culture. Article 160 of the Constitution
states that a “Malay” is a person who professes the religion of Islam,
habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and -

was
before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of
parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or was
on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or

is the issue of such a person;

Many Indian Muslims have used or would like to use this provision to “convert”.

I have no disrespect for the Malay culture which is beautiful. We can all learn a thing or two from Malay adat.
However, I do hold a grudge against the deliberate extermination of
one’s own heritage. I further find it offensive when Indian Muslims, in
their eagerness to convert, use Machiavellian means to identify
themselves as Malay. It demonstrates a lack of dignity and self-worth.

Naturally,
I feel sick when I read of the charades of UMNO politicians,
academicians, and community leaders masquerading as Malays, spewing
hatred against other races, sometimes against their own roots.

Even when
they’re challenged as to their real identity, they shamelessly defend
their false Malay roots.
For some, Tamil is still spoken in whispers, in
the privacy of their homes, like it were a “dirty” parlance.

Why?
For special rights? For economic handouts?
My grandfather worked very,
very hard for providence. So did the men of his generation. The early
Indian Muslim traders who came to these shores were an industrious lot
who earned their bread. They contributed to Malaysia’s rich heritage
without becoming cultural orphans. They cherished their roots. Hardship
and experience polished them. It earned them monopolies in certain
trades that last till today.

This legacy is
being destroyed. A culture and heritage is disappearing only to be
replaced by a false sense of security. In the process, the Indian
Muslims are offending not only their own race and the Chinese, but many
Malays too. In the long run, we as a community will isolate ourselves
from our roots and the nation in which we want so much to assimilate
with.

“Distinguished ancestors shed a
powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either
of their merits or of their demerits.”